Arlington Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum: Opening Remarks, 5/12/20
I’m Audrey Clement, the Independent candidate for Arlington County Board. As a 16-year Westover resident, long time civic activist, and current member of the Transportation Commission, I’m running for County Board because it has pushed harmful policies resulting in: overcrowded schools, traffic congestion, gentrification, and an effective tax rate that is twice the rate of inflation.
The coronavirsus has challenged residents’ ability to absorb tax assessment increases, with many businesses shuttered and people out of work. While the County deserves credit for abiding by the Governor’s lock down order, it needs to leverage its own independent authority under Virginia’s Local Emergency Statute, to curtail the pandemic. This my opponent Libby Garvey refuses to do, insisting that the Governor must approve any actions the County takes.
Another area where I clash with the current County Board is replacing single family homes with so called “missing middle” housing– multi-family dwellings like duplexes, triplexes and apartments. Contrary to what they say, “missing middle” is a euphemism for upzoning that will not make housing more affordable. Instead it will lead to escalating housing prices, overcrowded schools, traffic congestion, loss of tree canopy, increased runoff and more air pollution. If elected, I pledge to:
- Act aggressively to curtail the spread of the coronavirus.
- Oppose upzoning.
- Seek immediate tax relief for residents and businesses.
- Emphasize basic services like: streets, schools, libraries and public safety.
- Provide a voice on County Board for all taxpayers.
If you share my agenda, then:
- Spread the word about my candidacy.
- Donate to my campaign.
Together we can make the “Arlington Way” more than an empty phrase.